March tasks

Sunday

Mar 1, 2009 at 12:01 AMMar 1, 2009 at 1:19 PM

Outside

• Shape deciduous trees during winter dormancy by removing branches that are rubbing, broken or crowded. Don't cut flush to the trunk but allow the slight swelling at the branch's base to remain to promote healing.

Outside

• Shape deciduous trees during winter dormancy by removing branches that are rubbing, broken or crowded. Don't cut flush to the trunk but allow the slight swelling at the branch's base to remain to promote healing.

• Prune plants with no signs of leaf or flower buds breaking. Do not prune forsythias, lilacs, climbing roses and other plants that flower in the spring or early summer.

• Don't give up on seemingly dead and damaged plants. Evergreens with brown leaves and needles might grow new stems from latent buds. Deciduous plants that lose all their top growth might grow from their roots. By late May, you should know the plant's condition.

• Grass seed can be planted if the soil is workable and the temperatures have begun to rise. Select an appropriate grass for the site, depending on the amount of exposure to the sun.

• Apply an organic lime-sulfur spray to shrubs and roses in early March to help battle mites, scales, borers, black spot and powdery mildew. Avoid letting spray hit brick, stucco and other masonry surfaces.

• Check the roof gutters and downspouts to see whether they are clear of debris and that the water drains away from the house.

• Turn the compost pile and make sure it remains damp.

• Apply dormant-oil spray to fruit trees when temperatures are to remain above 40 degrees for 24 hours. To treat fruit trees organically, use a plant-based oil spray throughout the growing season.

Inside

• Test the sump pump.: Pour water into the pit to make sure it works properly.

• Check the attic for leaks and condensation. Make sure the vents are not obstructed.

• Clean or change furnace and humidifier filters.

• Sweep and wash road salt and dirt from the garage floor.

• Schedule a inspection of the air-conditioning system.

• Sow pepper, tomato and other tender vegetable seeds for transplanting to the garden in mid-May.